Quiet Times Search

• We are ultimately responsible for what we believe.
  
• Religious leaders can be wrong, so we cannot be lazy.
  
• Review in greater depth the lessons and sermons you hear to be sure about what you are being taught.
  
• Are you willing to take personal responsibility for knowing what the Bible says?
  

• The Bible is more than just words on a page.
  
• We need to develop a thirst and devotion to the word of God.
  
• How eager are you to regularly meditate on the Scriptures?
  

• Our attitude should be one of humility, reverence and awe for God’s word.
  
• Are you willing to live by the Bible, taking God at his Word in your relationship with him?
• Are you willing to trust God’s Word above your own feelings, religious traditions or religious leaders?
• Will you seek to understand God’s will and ways through his inspired Word?

Acts 11:25-26

• To call oneself a Christian can mean many different things to people today.
• The name “Christian” was applied for the 1st time to disciples at Antioch, about 7 years after the beginning of the church.
• How many times is the word “Christian” used in NT? (Three times.)
• How many times is the word “disciple” used? (About 300 times.)
• What is a disciple? A disciple is a learner who strives to conform his thoughts, words and actions to those of his master.
• To understand what it means to live as a Christian today, we will start by looking at Jesus’ expectations for those who would be his disciples . . .

Mark 1:16-20

• Call of the first disciples: “Follow me.”
• A disciple asks himself, “What would Jesus do?” then strives to do it - regardless of the cost.
• A disciple of Jesus has the same purpose as Jesus: to be a fisher of men.  What does this mean?
• What did they abandon to follow Jesus? Everything! (job, possessions, family)

Luke 9:23-27

• Emphasize the heart that God wants.
• What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
  • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
  • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
  • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
• How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

• If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
• A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
• A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
• Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
• Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).

• We need it to survive. 
• Why do you eat every day? We need to “feed” ourselves daily on God’s Word

• God will use it as the standard of judgment.
• Example: Final exam for college course - the test will be form the text.

1. Matthew 4:4 - We need it to survive. Why do you eat every day? We need to “feed” ourselves daily on God’s Word
2. Deuteronomy 33:44-47 - Not mere words but they are your life.
3. John 12:47-48 - God will use it as the standard of judgment. Example: Final exam for college course - the test will be form the text.

1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
2.  Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
3. Hebrews 4:12-13
   • Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
   • Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.

• God knows what you and I have done but he wants to help us get our lives in order
• The more we read, the more we understand God is merciful and loving
• He is serious about us changing our lives to fit His will vs us trying to change the Bible to fit our will

• Jesus is the ultimate reflection of God on earth
• Just as Jesus didn't come with a critical judgment = God does not either
• v46 - He shows us the way out of darkness - when we don't have a close relationship with him
• Question: What does Jesus say will actually judge us? God's words

1. Read the Bible daily so we can know him
2. We must apply the Bible to our lives, let it change us, and let our lives change others
3. Let's study the Bible together at least once a week for the next 3 weeks

• Question: The disciples that were scattered began teaching the Greeks what? Good news about Jesus
• Question: What did Barnabas encourage people to do? Know an hold to Jesus' words
• Barnabas found Saul then brought him to Antioch so they could teach the Word of God (review)
• Question: In Antioch, the disciples of Jesus were called what for the 1st time? Why?
• A disciple of Jesus is WHAT they were. Christian is what the world labeled them
• Christian = Disciple = Saved

• Question: What did Jesus proclaim in Galilee? What was the good news? Kingdom of God was near; your life can change)
• Question: What is the first thing Jesus instructed these fishermen to do? Follow him. What does that mean?
• Question: What will Jesus make us into? What does that mean? Is this something you are willing to do?
• Share what purpose your purpose was before becoming a disciple
• Question: What would you say your life has been focused/purpose so far?

• Judas had already decided in his heart and actions to betray Jesus. Then he watched for an opportunity to carry out sin.
• Share: A person's heart can be so hard that they no longer fear God - Psalms 36:1-3
• In spite of knowing that Judas was lying and plotting to have him killed, Jesus still loved him.
• The disciples had no clue who it was.
• Jesus' heart and actions never expressed any anger/resentment toward Judas

• Peter accepted the words of Jesus until it came time to apply them to his life.
• Share: Peter's prideful refusal to accept Jesus will for his life lead other down the wrong path

• Jesus felt alone because of the selfishness of his friends (choosing to sleep instead of praying for him)
• Share: Jesus prayed so intensely that his capillaries burst and mixed with his blood (I have a medical account for you)
• Question: Jesus could have stopped this but he didn't. Why do you think he was willing to sweat blood for you  (He loves you)
• Afterwards Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss (they arrested him and his words came true; the disciples all scattered)

• They spit in Jesus' face and beat him with their fist. Have you ever been spit on?
• Jesus looked straight at Peter after the 3rd denial and the rooster crowed - He was that close to Peter - Luke 22:61
• How do you think this made Jesus feel? Why do you think Jesus continued to go to the cross? (He loves you)

Old Testament scriptures about the Word

• Jeremiah 23:29 - God's word is like a fire and hammer
• Hosea 4:6 - People are destroyed from lack of knowledge
• Jeremiah 8:7 - Animals obey God but His people pay no attention
• Psalms 12:6 - LORD's words are absolutely reliable
• Proverbs 30:5-6 - Every word of God is flawless
• Deuteronomy 4:2 - Keep the commandments of the LORD your God; do not add or take away from it
• Psalms 119 - God's Word should be held in the highest reguard

• An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
• An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
• An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33

• More than membership in a crowd of followers.
• More than curiosity about Jesus.
• More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
• More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
• Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.

• John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing
• John 6:38 - Come not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me
• John 8:28 - Spoke just what the Father has taught me
• John 10:18 - Lay his life down on his own accord
• John 12:49-50 - Whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say
• John 14:10 - Words I say to you are not just my own
• John 14:31 - I do exactly what my Father has commanded me
• John 15:10 - If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love

• John 10:30,38 - I and the Father are one
• John 14:10-11, 20 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
• John 17:11, 21, 23 - Father, just as you are in me and I am in you

• John 7:16 - My teaching is not my own
  
• John 12:49 - For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me

• John 8:16 - I stand with the Father, who sent me
• Romans 8:5 - Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires

• John 14:24 - These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me
• John 12:49 - Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it

• John 5:19 - Whatever the Father does the Son also does
• John 13:15 - I have set you an example that you should do as I have done

• Mark 10:21 - Go, sell everything you have and come follow me
• Luke 13:34 - How often I have longed to gather your children together
• Luke 19:41 - As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.

• John 9:4 - As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me
• John 4:34 - For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God,
• Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
• Mark 1:38-39 - I can preach there also. That is why I have come

• God is glorified through a selfless life of good deeds - Matthew 5:16
• God is glorified when we selflessly bear fruit - John 15:8
• God is glorified through selfless obedience - John 17:4
• God is glorified when we selflessly suffer for righteousness - 1 Peter 4:14, 16
• God is glorified through selfless service to others
  • 1 Peter 4:11 - If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
  • Luke 17:15 - Praising God in a loud voice.

• Unapproachable light - 1 Timothy 1:17
• Abba, father - Romans 8:15

• The Bible gives us the formula for success - - - “seek advice”
  

• Jesus spent time (transfiguration) with Moses & Elijah
• Jesus spent time with his father daily (early in the morning and late at night)
• Jesus even had 12 disciples around him for years

1. Baseball = the pitching coach can look at a picture throw and determine mistakes on sight
2. Football = you have a specialty coach for every position
3. School = tutors for different subjects

• We have to learn things the hard way.
• People can warn us that we’re headed down the wrong path but we just have to journey that path for ourselves before we learn

Summary

God formed a man and gave him the garden in Eden, except for the tree of knowledge. Adam was alone so God made a woman as his partner.

Observations

Genesis 2:7 - from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life
From nothing, God created us. He even takes our language that is a collection of organized means and breathed [2 Timothy 3:16] it into living and active Holy scripture [Hebrews 4:12].

Genesis 2:15 - put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Man's purpose in the garden was to work it and keep it up. God gives us work to do in step with what he desires. Work is good for glorify God, helping others, and helping us in our character. In [Acts 17:26], we learn that God determines the times and places we will live. It wasn't a random chance that Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden even with God's fore knowledge of Adam's sin.

Genesis 2:16 - You are free
The first words recorded spoken to man was "You are free". This is important because without freedom, love can not be fully expressed. God created man for Him to love and to be loved by man. What are we doing with the life and freedom God has given us? Does he feel the love?

Genesis 2:17 - you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
The sinful nature within us desires the opposite of what God wants. When it hears about something we can not do, that is the exact thing it desires to do.

Genesis 2:19 - whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name
With our freedom, we are given responsibilities. Instead of just telling us what the names of the animals and plants we, God gave Adam the task and freedom to do so. We need to remember all the things God intrusts us with and give it our all.

Personal Application

Many times I look for ways on how to automate work (it is part of the work I do as part of my career) but sometimes lose sight that work is what I am suppose to be doing. When automating tasks, I need to make sure I am using my additional time to do even more useful things that God has called me to do.

Summary

Japheth's line lived in the coastlands; Ham's included Nimrod and the Canaanites; Shem's lived in the East. These formed the nations.

Observations

Genesis 10:4 - peoples spread out ... each with its own language
These family was not only in not on the same page, in the same state. They each had a completely different language. Their words were likely not written down so changed easily because there was no reference point. Having different languages is not a bad thing but it illustrates when we do not have a reference point in our lives, our standards, direction, and our feelings of the day change we do things. Like God's written word, if we do not keep refering to it, we will live as if we are standing on shifting sand [[Matthew 7:26].

Genesis 10:6 - sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan
From Ham's children, came the Jews and others like the Philistines [Genesis 10:14]. I am not sure if this separation came from the times these kids were growing up but does show how much we need unity in our family. Though in verse 6, they had different languages. Unity is very important in a family and godly unity only comes from God. We can be united in mind and heart from our relationship with God. It is never to early introduce God to your family - especially children.

Personal Application

I am convicted on how fast families can be divided by Satan. How things can change and a heart is no longer are responsive in a relationship. I need to start ASAP.  I am going to make sure my children know God, his word and what it means to have an amazing relationship with Him.

1. Why do some people like to quarrel about words and spread their own ideas around? Do you ever quarrel about words? Have you talked about it with another disciple?
2. How can you train yourself to be an approved workman?
3. Have you been involved in any discussions lately about God's word or the church that were pointless or even harmful?

1. How can you fight the good fight?
2. How can a disciple "shipwreck" their faith?
3. Remember Hymenaeus (2 Timothy 2:17-18) and Alexander (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

1. Are you watching daily your life (as a disciple) and your doctrine (understanding the Bible)?
2. Has anyone noticed changes in you?

1. Imagine what the day of judgement will be like. Who will be there?
2. How will everyone be feeling?

1. Who is the bride of Christ?
2. Describe heaven.
3. Check yourself against verse 8. Are any of these sins in your life?

1. What other eternal joys will be in heaven?
2. Why does God want us to know these words are trustworthy and true?

1. Explain verse 2 in your own words. What happens when we act the opposite of this?
2. Why does it take every effort to keep unity?

1. What does it mean to be one in spirit and purpose?
2. How can you consider others better that yourself?
3. Whose interests have you been looking out for besides your own? What is the attitude of Jesus? Is yours the same?

1. How does Jesus tell us to resolve conflicts and disagreements with one another?
2. Who should go to whom first?
3. Is there anyone in the church with whom you need to go and settle a problem?

1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
2. What should your attitude be?
3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?

1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?

1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
2. How did God regard these people?

1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?

• Could this heart of gratitude be so powerful as to really heal me, heal my faith, heal my marriage, and heal my relationships?
• Who do I need to be grateful for and have not really told them lately?
• When was the last time I had a family devotional expressing gratefulness for each one?

WHo is he who will devote himself to be close to me? - Jeremiah 30:21

God looks for people who will devote themselves to being close to him
Some of the greatest men of the Bible were described as God's friends

• Enoch - walked with God for 300 years before took him away - Genesis 5:22-24
• Noah walked with God - Genesis 6:9
• Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks with his friend - Exodus 33:11
• Abramham was God's friend - James 2:23
• Daniel was God's friend from the first time he prayed - Daniel 10:12
• Solomon prayed that his words would near to God day and night - 1 Kings 8:59
  • And God answered him - 1 Kings 9:3

Nehemiah had an intimate friendship with God:

• Referred to God's convenant of love - Nehemiah 1:5
• He pleaed for God to hear him - Nehemiah 1:6
• Had personal confession of sin - Nehemiah 1:6-7
• He reminded God of his great deeds - Nehemiah 1:8-10
• He appealed to God - Nehemiah 1:11

Having no accountability always leads to irresponsibility

One day we will stand before God one day and be held accountable for how we lived

Our actions not only have immediate consequences but eternal ones as well:

• We will all stand before the judgment seat of God - Romans 14:10
• He will “judge men’s secrets” - Romans 2:16
• He will bring to light the things hidden in the darkness, disclosing the motives of our hearts - 1 Corinthians 4:5
• He will judging the words of our mouths - Matthew 12:36
• He will testthe deeds we have done - Romans 2:5-8

This is wired into our consciences and confirmed throughout His Word

Everything in a man’s thinking changes when he realizes that he is only one heartbeat from standing before the Lord

Do you know for certain where you will spend eternity after you die?
Most men don’t understand what God requires for someone to be ready
We must take full responsibility for ourselves, our wives, and our children

Preparing for that day is why we should become accountable to one another

Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man - Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

Accountability dynamically helps make us into men - humble, wise, responsible, faithful men.

 Jesus Christ founded his empire on love

God not only wants you to lead your family but deeply love them
The more you walk with God and obey Him each day, the more of His love will be “poured out” in your heart - Romans 5:5

Children feel much more secure if they know their parents love each other.
We must do whatever it takes to put your marriage on a sound footing.

Don’t wait for her. Step up and be the leader God meant you to be. It’s never easy.
Your words in ten seconds can change them forever - either in a positively or negative way
If your kids feel they always get your leftover energy and attention, they will disconnect and struggle with resentment

I come to you in the name of the Lord - 1 Samuel 17:45

David spoke words of confidence

He knew that God had sent him and He never sends a man to fight without equipping and guilding him

Goliath had size, armor, weapons and a hard heart on his side
David had a slingshot, some stones, and an abolute faith in God (delights in enabling the impossible)

It was a hopeless situation - for the Giant

The moment David accepted God's call to fight, Goliath was as good as dead.

This is the Lords battle! - 1 Samuel 17:47

What "giants" in your life make you feel like the underdog? In Christ, can not only win over the giants but have an abolute rout.

My darling, you are as beatiful as Jerusalem - Song of Solomon 6:4

Solomon understood the value of speaking passionately to his beloved

His words overflows with love, affection, intimacy, and passion

It models the kind of inimate coomunication you can enjoy with your wife

The words should be personal and thoughtful - take the lead!

How do you rate the passion and fun in your marriage?

• Red hot
• Still glowing
• A fading ember
• Growing cold
• Pile of ashes

Jesus: He sent them out to tell everyone about the kigdom of God and to heal the sick - Luke 9:1-2

He didn't just want them to just show people the good news of salvation but also to tell them about it as well

Jesus was the example of the One who struck a perfect balance between good works and effective words

He spoke the message that fueled his acts of compassion

That same message - people need today to both see and hear!

What compassion or help do people around you need the most? What good news do they need to hear?

They lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus - Mark 2:4

Four men demonstrated compassion by going to extraordinary lengths to get the lamed man

We can only imagine their thoughts and conversation with people around them

Sometimes a man's words count a great deal less than what they do for someone else

The four men did not ask Jesus for anything for themselves - acted out of willingness to stand for someone who couldn't stand for himself

How can I be sure this will happen? - Luke 1:18

Faith is based on the fact that God keeps his promises - especially the promises that seem impossible

God had not forgetten Zechariah's prayers

He send Gabriel to tell to tell them they would have a son and their son would be the appointed to introduce the Messiah

Instead of thanking Gabriel, Zechariah spoke words of unbelief - Luke 1:18

God wasn't about to allow Zechariah's unbelief to get in the way

Who you respond when God make you a wonderful promise?

Jesus sat wearily beside the well; soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water - John 4:6-7

Jesus understood the importance of making the best use of every opportunity to preach and teach his message

He was ready for the opportunity to share his message with the people of Samaria via the woman he jusr meet

Jesus' words made a lasting impression on the woman, her neighbors - John 4:39

They were stunned that she meet the Messiah

Life will present you with opportunities to serve God through serving others

Fools think their own way is right - Proverbs 12:15

David advised Solomon to observe the requirements of the Lord and follow all his ways - 1 Kings 2:3-4

Solomon may have spoken words of wisdom but his life ended in foolishness:

• Took 700 wives
• 300 mistresses
• Some of the woman were from outside his nationality and religon

Solomon's failure to practice what he preached led to his downfall

His wives turned his heart away from God and toward idol worship

You will save yourself a lot of trouble by knowing the Word of God and doing what is says

Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind and he went away, weeping bitterly - Matthew 26:75

God offers forgiveness for even the worst of sins and the worst of sinners

Peter learned this firsthand

Theories abound as to why Judas' motivation for betraying Jesus, but for Peter it was clear, he was afraid

Judas and Peter both:

• Failed Jesus miserably
• Knew immediately they had done wrong
• Felt the guilt

Two remorseful sinners but only one turned back to the Lord

Take a cenus of all the tribes of Israel - so I may know how may people there are - 2 Samuel 24:2

It is apporopriate and even necessary to speak words of correction, even when those words are not warmly received

Joab spoke up to King David, "Why do you want to do this?" - 2 Samuel 24:3
Why must you cause Israel to sin - 1 Chronicles 21:3

Joab apparently understood that David's orders came out of his reliance on superior military strength rather than the might of heaven

Though Joab warned King David not to go through with the cenus, the king did it anyway and paid a terrible price

I have no one to put me into the pool - John 5:7

A good man always knows his limitations

An unnamed sick man met Jesus one day knew his limitations by reponding with an "I can't"

He was unable to walk for 38 years and he wait for someone to help get him into healing waters of the pool of Bethesda

What he obvioudly couldn't do, Jesus did

The man knew that on his own, he had no hope of changing his situation

I CAN'T is sometimes the words Jesus wants to hear

That phrase comes from the lips of the person who realizes his need for complete dependence of Christ

We found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots - Acts 24:5

Bible repeatedly commands believers to use words to build others up rather than tear them down

Tertullus was a Jewish advocate before the Roman government and went out of his way to tear others down

He wanted to stop all the preaching about Jesus

Tertullus accused Paul of disturbing the peace throughout the Roman Empire

He intented to have Paul imprisioned or even killed

Before you say something about another person, ask yourself if you are tearing down or building up

Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done - Exdous 18:9

Paul: "be happy with those who are happy" - Romans 12:15

Jethro, Moses' friend, celebrated with the people of Israel: "Praise the Lord, for he had rescued you from the Egyptians - Exodus 18:10

He immedidately blessed those around him with words of praise

The same thing can happen when you share in another's joy over God's kindness and blessing

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead - Revelation 1:17

Throughout history, men have struggled with Jesus' identity

John had no doubts while worshipping God in exciled to the Greek island of Patmos

While listening to Jesus' words and turned to look, he was floored at the sight of the Son of Man - Revelation 1:13

John had the privelege of hearing and seeing Jesus as the King and reacted with both dread and fear

No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words - Job 2:13

Many men struggle with just listening - why God gave us two ears and only one mouth

At first Job's friends were the exactly the kind of friends he needed

After Job had spoken, they began speaking but instead of comforting him they tried to fix his problems - which made things worst

Sometimes it is best to just listen instead of trying to fix things

Amos is hatching a plot against you right - Amos 7:10

In an attempt to quiet Amos and his message, Amaziah accused him of treason against Israel

Amzaiah had put his own spin on Amos' words about the death of Jeroboam and Zechariah

Some will always attempt to spin the words and actions of godly people and their unpopular message

Amos knew he was preaching an unpopular message and Amaziah would go to great lengths to stop him

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west - Psalm 103:12

Men who follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly often see more clearly how they have been forgiven

David had plenty in his life for which he needed forgiveness

He knew when he failed God, God's love would never fail him

David did not choose his words randomly

If get in a plane and head east and unlimited fuel you never stop heading east - endless love

I am full of pent-up words and the spirit within me urges me on - Job 32:18

Job's three friends felt that God was punishing Job for some hidden sin - he rejected this

Job thought God was treating him unfairly

All four of them had it wrong

Elihu: God repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve - Job 34:10-11

His knew Job's suffering could not be in vain. Job shouldn't see his affection as God didn't care about him rather as a tool in God's hand to teach Job more

We are akk here waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you - Acts 10:33

People tend to honor those who first do something of note

Roman military officer Cornelius broke a few barriers of his own when place his faith in Jesus

When Peter visited Cornelius, the apostle explained everything to him and he accepted his words

They saw that God intended salvation through Jesus for the Jews and Gentiles - Acts 10:44-45

Jesus' death and resurrection broken down the long standing barrier between God and man and between the Jews and Gentiles

Judas and Silas spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthing their faith  - Acts 15:32

They were choosen to travel with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch

Judas and Silas were chosen to deliver a letter that communicated what the apostles had decided about what Jewish laws the Gentile Christians needed to observe

They did not just read the letter and head home - they took the time and went out of their way to speak words of encouragement and strength to the believers

You can bless others as you go out of your way to encourage them

These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak - Jeremiah 14:14

During the prophet Jeremiah's ministry, "prophets of God" contradicted Jeremiah's warning about coming divine judgement.

They insisted that everything was all right and God had not really given Jeremiah a message of wrath

The people did not want to hear the truth choosing comfort over conviction

We have plent of false prophets with comforting thoughts today with some even having good intentions

The real question is wheather or not their words match up with God's word

God had mercy on me... his great patience with even the worst of sinners - 1 Timothy 1:16

Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:22

Jesus was the most patient man who ever lived, beyond human understanding

• He lovingly ministered to the worst of sinners
• Dealt with cynicism of corrupt religous leaders
• Shephered 12 often-clueless apostles
• Those closest to him did not hear his words much less apply them

He corrected them but also patiently prepared them to take the reins after he returned to heaven

You can best learn patience by understanding that God daily extends his patience to you

His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful - 1 Chronicles 4:9

When we receive a vision for something specific, we are to pray equally specifically

Jabez was an honorable man whose name meant "pain"

Only recorded words was a well-known prayer - "Please be with me in all I do and keep me from all trouble and pain" - 1 Chronicles 4:10

God said yes to everything Jebez asked:

1. God would bless him - went to the source of all good things
2. God would expand his territory - wasn't afraid to ask things specifically
3. God would be with him inall that he did - he knew was heading nowhere without God
4. God would keep him from all trouble and pain - aka asked for a humble heart and for ability to do right

My salvation come from the Lord alone - Jonah 2:9

Can you praise God for your times of difficulty, weakness, burdens?

Jonah did some time in the belly of the sea creature - a dark and foulplace that defies human imagination

He didn't ask why, he already knew why

God knew that Jonah had come full circle from his words of thanksgiving and his promise to fulfill his vows

It meant he was ready and willing to obey God

God immediately arranged for his freedom - Jonahv2:10

When they heard the words of the prophet Haggai the people feared the Lord- Haggai 1:12

Setting priorities is a key to doing anything well

Haggai believed strongly in setting the right priorities and enourging others to do the same

The people of Jerusalem had a problem with priorities

They had settled nicely into their homes with the Temple was left unfinished after 16 years

Why are living in luxurious houses while God's house lies in ruins? - Haggai 1:4

The people of Jerusalem hadn't finished the Temple because it wasn't at the top of their to-do list

Haggai preached the right message at the right time

Their sense of priorities got straighten out and they got busy

Do you give to a ministry that God has put on your heart? If not, it is time to rearrange your priorities

Men have not been content with the studying of the scriptures

The first century has been studied as no other century

• Customs of the people
• Clothing
• Their houses
• Social and Political life

...in hope that his might bring men closer to Jesus

Where do we get our info about Jesus?

• Words he spoke
• Deeds he did
• His times of silence
• Impression made upon his friends
• Impression made upon his foes
• Impression made upon people today

Gospels mention about 30-35 days of Jesus' life

Jesus' sayings can be spoken within five hours

We don't have as much as we want but do have as much as we need

Gospel attempt to give us nothing but his words, NOT:

• facial expressions
• gestures
• inflections
• sighs

Words are all God has given us - with words therefore we must be content

The words are not Jesus' exact words, they are translated words

The gosel in Greek, not even in the language Jesus spoke

The men who wrote the gospels never mention of Jesus' appearance

We must at the beginning banish all pictures of Jesus from our minds, focus on his character 

People are either attracted or repelled to Jesus

The people were shocked at the plainness of Jesus' words

Had he been silent or pretended to ignore matters he was fully aware of - he would have been a liar like the men with whom he was struggling

Was it not the duty of Jesus to inform them of their condition? What else could a sincere friend do?

There was no bitterness in Jesus' language? It was calm statements of a horrible fact

Jesus' unquestion loyalty to truth gives his words a value which no other person's words possess

Jesus holds nothing back - what is thinks, he says - what he feels, he declares

He declares all things as they are

This is the man we want. A man like this can be a refuge in the time of a storm

What he assers concerning the principles of a victorious life, we can act upon, never doubting

When he tells us to do something, we can do it knowing it is the best thing

When he warns us against a course of action, we can shun it, knowning that in that direction lies death